Crib having noiselessly opening changing table

ABSTRACT

A combination crib is disclosed that includes a cabinet panel, a bottom panel, an end panel, a pair of removable side rails and movable mattress support. The cabinet panel includes a changing table, a latching mechanism and a damper assembly hidden inside. 
     The changing table is detachably engaged with the latching mechanism. The damper assembly connected to the changing table is adapted for damping the movement of the changing table from the open position to the closed position. The mattress support is vertically movable within the periphery formed by the opposing cabinet and end panels and the opposing side rails. The side rails and the mattress support are adjusted to convert the crib into a plurality of furniture articles

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to combination furniture, more particularly to a combination crib that has a cabinet having a built-in changing table and that is convertible into a plurality of furniture articles.

2. Background of the Invention

It is common for a family having an infant to provide a combination crib that can be converted from one item into another. Combination cribs generally occupy much less space of an infant's room. These cribs can be dissembled and stacked away when not in use.

Two-in-one and even three-in-one combination cribs are not very uncommon in the prior art. These combination cribs combine capabilities of a day bed, a bassinet and a changing table, for example, in one unitary apparatus. But capabilities of more than three separate furniture units may be needed to be combined in a combination crib.

Infants are generally fed in the arms of an attending parent. But when infants grow to become toddlers, holding and feeding them at the same time becomes an uncomfortable task for the parent. For the sake of safety, the parent also needs to feel comfortable while attending to the physical care of the toddler. Therefore, the attending parent needs a crib that has multi-level height adjustability features that can advantageously assist the parent in dressing, feeding or playing with the toddler while in various height positions. Also needed is a combination crib with features that can advantageously take care of changing needs of the growing baby over the years.

Typically crib side rails have slats that have uniform widths and uniform spacings between them. Slats having different widths and different spacings between them would offer more interest to the toddler.

The cribs that have a cabinet provided with a changing table are known in the prior art. The changing tables in the prior art that can not be folded down consume a lot of space, whereas the changing tables that can be folded have such configurations and mechanisms that require substantial physical efforts from the user while opening and closing these tables. Furthermore, the task of opening and closing the changing table typically involves activities such as pulling, pushing, bolting, unbolting, screwing and unscrewing. Therefore the operation of bolting and opening involves a risk of hurting fingers, palms and arms.

Further, while opening or closing the changing table, the user has to perform a series of jerky steps that can shake the crib and produce undesirable noise. This may disturb the sound sleep of the infant. Therefore while using these prior art cribs the parent would not want to open and close the changing table while the infant or toddler is asleep in the bed.

Furthermore, while using the changing table the user may lean or rock head back and forth. The presence of sharp open edges on the cabinet panel within the head leaning range of the user would only increase the possibility of an accidental head injury. A combination crib is needed crib where such sharp open edges are absent.

The parent may also appreciate the use of changing table as a desk. Thus, the parent can do his work on changing table-cum-desk and at the same time can keep a watchful eye on the toddler inside the crib. The crib can also be used as a standalone desk once the child has outgrown the crib.

Therefore, there exists a need for an improved combination crib that integrates the capabilities of a plurality of infant care furniture units, that is adjustable through a wide range of elevations, that includes a hideaway cabinet with a built-in changing table that is opened with a damped motion by simply pressing a control and/or by merely pulling down the changing table, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet panel, an end panel, a bottom panel, a pair of side rails and a mattress support.

Each panel has a rear wall and a removable leg connected to a base. The rear walls of the cabinet panel and the end panel are in opposed confronting relation and each includes a plurality of vertically aligned mounting plates, a plurality of laterally aligned distal slots and a plurality of laterally aligned proximal slots. The inside of the cabinet panel includes a changing table, a latching mechanism and a damper assembly. The cabinet panel has a top surface that has a control that is connected to the latching mechanism for engaging and disengaging from the latching mechanism.

The changing table has a vertically folded-up closed position wherein the changing table is engaged with the latching mechanism. The changing table has a horizontally folded-down open position wherein the changing table is disengaged from the latching table. The damper is coupled to the changing table for dampening the swinging movement of the changing table from the vertically folded-up closed position to the horizontally folded-down open position.

The bottom panel is horizontally disposed between the cabinet panel and the end panel. The bottom panel is detachably connected to the cabinet panel and the end panel.

A sliding drawer assembly that includes at least a drawer is positioned below the bottom panel.

The side rails are horizontally disposed and vertically registered between the cabinet panel and the end panel. Each side rail has slats and protruding ends. The side rails are in opposed confronting relation. The protruding ends of the side rails are removably fitted into the distal and primary slots of the rear walls of the cabinet panel and the end panel.

A mattress support is horizontally disposed and can be moved vertically within a formed by the siderails, the cabinet panel and the end panel. The mattress support has bracket supports that are detachably fitted into the mounting plates. The mattress support is positioned above the bottom panel and is vertically movable within the periphery formed by the side rails, the cabinet panel and the end panel.

The crib is readily convertible into a plurality of furniture articles by adjusting the mattress support height and removing the side rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views where:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a crib assembled in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 that shows cabinet doors and under-crib drawers in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of one of the side rails of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a rear side view of a cabinet panel of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear side view of an end panel of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 that shows a range of mattress support elevation;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 that shows a changing table in a horizontally folded-down open position;

FIG. 13 is an exploded top perspective view of a cabinet body of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an exploded top perspective of the cabinet body of the crib of FIG. 1 with rectangular parts of both lateral sides cut away;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cabinet body of the crib of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the cabinet body of the crib of FIG. 1 position taken along lines A-A of FIG. 13 that shows a changing table in a vertically folded-up closed position;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the cabinet body of the crib of FIG. 1 taken along lines A-A of FIG. 13 that shows the changing table in the horizontally folded-down open position;

FIGS. 18 is top perspective views of the crib of FIG. 1 in use as a toddler day bed;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 in use as a playing table;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 in use as a playing table;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 in use as a bedside sleeper;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective of the crib of FIG. 1 that shows the crib in use as a bedside sleeper along with an adult bed;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective of the crib that shows the cabinet panel of FIG. 14 being employed in the vertically folded-up closed position;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective of the crib that shows the cabinet panel of FIG. 14 being employed in the horizontally folded-down open position;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 in use as a standalone desk; and

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the crib that employs the cabinet panel of FIG. 14 in use as a standalone desk.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to understand may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Although specific terms are used in the following description for sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to particular structure of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a crib 20 according to the present invention includes a cabinet panel 22, a bottom panel 24, an end panel 26 and a pair of removable side rails 28, 28 that have a plurality of slats 30. The cabinet panel 22 has a front leg 32 and the end panel 26 has an end leg 34. Both panels 22, 26 have a rear wall 25 and both are approximately of the same height and width. The bottom panel 24 and side rails 28, 28 are disposed longitudinally between the vertical cabinet panel 22 and end panel 26. The crib 20 also includes a vertically adjustable mattress support 36 that rests above the bottom panel 24 and supports a mattress 37. The size of the mattress is approximately same as that of the size of mattress support 36. The crib 20 further includes a pair of sliding drawers 38 that slides underneath the bottom panel 24.

The crib 20 includes a built-in changing table 40 that has a changing pad 41. The changing table 40 remains completely hidden inside the cabinet panel 22 in a vertically folded-up closed position. The changing table 40 remains substantially outside the cabinet panel in a horizontally folded-down open position. Changing table 40 is disposed outside the cabinet panel 22 along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by changing table 40. In this one preferred embodiment, the cabinet panel 22 has a latch button 42 that is located in the right corner of the top outer surface. However, the latch button 42 can be absent in other embodiments. The cabinet panel 22 has a wide door 44 and a narrow door 46 for the storage space inside. The storage space inside the cabinet panel 22 includes a pair of shelves 48 and 50.

Crib 20 is preferably constructed of wood, but can also include other materials, such as plastic, metals, composites, for example. It is also understood that the location of the latch button, the size of the doors and the number and size of shelves can vary in other embodiments. Other latch activating mechanisms can be used instead of the latch button, and the cabinet panel 22 and the end panel 26 can have different height and width in other embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the side rails 28, 28 define the longitudinal boundaries of the crib 20, where as the cabinet panel 22 and the end panel 26 define the transversal boundaries. In this one preferred embodiment, each slat 30 has a different size from the neighboring slat 30. In addition, a spacing defined between slats 30 in a pair is not equal to a spacing defined between slats 30 in a neighboring or overlapping pair.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spacing s1 defined between slats 30 a and 30 b is not equal to the spacing s2 between neighboring pair of slats that includes slats 30 b and 30 c. Further, each slat 30 has a width that is different from the width of the neighboring slat 30. The slat 30 a has the width d1 that is not equal to the width d2 of the slat 30 b. Similarly, the spacing s3 defined between slats 30 c and 30 d is different from the spacing s4 defined between the slats 30 d and 30 e. The width d3 of the slat 30 c is different from the width d4 of the slat 30 d. Similarly, the spacing s4 is not equal to the spacing s5 between the slats 30 e, width d4 of the slat 30 is not equal to the width d5 of the slat 30 e, and so forth.

In this one preferred embodiment, each slat 30 is of a same height. However, the height can be different in other embodiments. Different spacings and different sizes of the slat 30 offer greater variety to the playful baby that explores the world around. Different spacings between slats 30 and different sizes of slats 30 not only reduce baby boredom but also provide the baby a chance to explore and learn about shapes and sizes.

The slats 30 are preferably rectangular in shape. However, the slats can be of other shapes in other embodiments. Alternatively, the spacing between neighboring slats 30 and the size of the slats 30 can be uniform in other embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 8, various parts of the crib 20 are shown. In addition to drawers 34, the sliding drawer assembly of the crib also includes a drawer false back 52, a pair of drawer glides 54 and a pair of drawer glide hangings 56.

In this one preferred embodiment, bracket supports 58 and mounting plates 60 are preferably adapted to secure the mattress support 36 to the panels 22, 26. The combination of bracket supports 58 and mounting plates 60 provides an extremely strong and a nearly invisible support to the mattress support 36 that rests on the mounting plate 60. The bracket supports 54 are mounted on four corners of the mattress support 36 and the mounting plates 60 are mounted on the rear walls 25 of the cabinet panel 22 and the end panel 26.

The side rail 28, 28 of the crib 20 have the same width and height. An additional baby rail 62 of the same width and smaller height is also provided to the user. The rails 28 have protruded ends 64 at their corners. The protruded ends 64 are fitted into a plurality of slots 66 that are provided on rear walls 25 of the panels 22, 26 to secure rails to the panels.

It should be understood, however, that the bracket support 58 and mounting plate 60 combination, can be used to join the rails 28, 28 with the panels 22, 26 in other embodiments. Also, the bracket support 58 and mounting plate 60 combination can be provided in addition to the joint used in the present invention. Further, a snap-fit arrangement or a press-fit arrangement can be used to join the rails 28, 28 with the panels 22, 26. Standard methods and parts, such as threaded inserts 31, are used to join legs 32, 34 to the panels 22, 26. It should be understood, however, that various parts of the invention are joined together using standard and well known methods, that can include, but are not limited to, the use of mortise and tenons joints, bushings, threaded inserts, dowels, nails, screws, glue, or the like.

In this one preferred embodiment, the front leg 32 of the cabinet panel 22 is wider as compared to the end leg 34. The front leg 32 is sufficiently wide and strong to support the weight of the cabinet panel 22. The legs 32, 34 have the same length and height and are removable. It should be understood, however, that the legs 32, 34 can be of same width or the end leg 34 can be wider than the front leg 32 in other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 9, the rear wall 25 of the cabinet has 22 a plurality of vertically aligned mounting plates 60 that receive bracket support 58 of the mattress support 36. The plurality of mounting plates 60 on the right hand side is aligned with the vertical axis v1-v1. The set of mounting plates 60 on the left hand side are aligned with the vertical axis v2-v2. The axes v1-v1 and v2-v2 are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The rear wall 25 of the cabinet panel 22 also includes a pair of laterally aligned distal slots 66 a and a pair of laterally aligned proximal slots 66 b that receive the protruded ends 64 of the side rails 28. The distal slots 66 a are preferably aligned along the horizontal axis h1-h1 and proximal slots 66 b are preferably aligned along the horizontal axis h2-h2. In this one preferred embodiment, axis h1-h1 is preferably substantially parallel to axis h2-h2.

Referring to FIG. 10, the rear wall 25 of the end panel 26 also has a plurality of mounting plates 60. The mounting plates 60 on the right hand side are aligned along a vertical axis v3-v3 and the mounting plates 60 on the left hand side are aligned with the vertical axis v4-v4. The axes v3-v3 and v4-v4 are substantially parallel to each other. The rear wall 25 of the end panel 26 also includes a pair of laterally aligned distal slots 66 c and a pair of laterally aligned proximal slots 66 d that receive the protruded ends 64 of the side rails 28. The distal slots 66 c are preferably aligned along the horizontal axis h3-h3 and proximal slots 66 d are preferably aligned along the horizontal axis h4-h4. In this one preferred embodiment, axis h3-h3 is preferably substantially parallel to axis h3-h3.

The distance between axes h1-h1 and h2-h2 is same as the distance between axes h3-h3 and h4-h4. The distance between axes h3-h3 and h4-h4 is also approximately equal to the height of the side rails 28. Further, the rear wall 25 of the cabinet panel 22 has an opposed confronting relationship with the rear wall 25 of end panel 26. Thus, the location of the mounting plates 60 and slots 66 on one rear wall 25 is exactly opposite to the location of mounting plates 60 and slots 66 on the other rear wall 25. In this one preferred embodiment, there are three mounting plate 60 on each side of each rear wall 25. The number, however, can vary in other embodiments and even wider range of elevation for the mattress support 36 can be provided. Also, the height of the distal slots 66 can vary in other embodiments. Multiple distal slots 66 can be provided to accommodate side rails 28 that have different heights.

As shown in FIG. 11, the series of vertically aligned mounting plates 60, on either side of the rear walls 25, enables mattress 37 and the mattress support 36 to be advantageously raised or lowered perpendicular to a horizontal plane B in the direction of an arrow C. The dotted line structures define the different height positions that can be advantageously occupied by the mattress 37 and mattress support 36.

Preferably, the side rails 28 are first removed and then the height of the mattress support 36 is adjusted. All the four bracket supports 58 are removed from the hooks of corresponding mounting plates 60 to disengage the mattress support 36 from the current height position. The mattress support 36 is raised or lowered to mounting plates 60 that occupy the desired height position. The bracket supports 58 are then hooked into the mounting plates 60 to secure the mattress support 36. In this preferred embodiment, Soss™ hinges 75 are used to join the doors 44, 46 and threaded inserts 32 are employed to attach the shelves 50, 52 to the cabinet panel 22.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the changing table 40 that has the changing pad 41 is in a horizontally folded down open position 68. In this position, the latch button 32 is simply pressed to bring the changing table to open position 68. The latch button 32 actuates the latching mechanism that is hidden inside the cabinet panel. The changing table opens by simply pushing the latch button using fingers. Thus, the risk of hurting fingers, arms and palms is removed as the user does not have to exert substantial physical effort that typically involves pulling, pushing, bolting, unbolting.

It is understood, however, that in other embodiments wherein the latch button is absent the, the user simply pull on the changing table to open it.

Referring to FIG. 13, various parts of the cabinet panel 22 are shown. The cabinet panel has lateral sides 79 with protruding open edges e1, e2. The changing table 40 that is hidden inside the cabinet panel 22 has a table tray 70, a removable tray front 71, a damper mount 72 and a tray latch section 74. The tray latch section 74 includes a socket head screw, a flat washer and a latch pin. The latch section 74 is preferably located at a distal end of table tray 70 and damper mount 72 is preferably located at a proximal end of the table tray 70. The cabinet panel 22 has a latch mechanism that interacts with the tray latch section 74 and a damper assembly 84. The latch mechanism includes the latch button 42 with a rubber bumper and a latch 76. The latch button 42 is housed into a latch slot 78 located on the right hand corner of the top outer surface of the cabinet panel 22.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, rectangular parts c1, c2 of the lateral sides 79 of the cabinet panel 22 are cut away as indicated by the dotted lines. The cut-away parts c1, c2 removes undesirably exposed sharp protruding open edges e1, e2. In this particular embodiment, the shape of the cut-away parts e1, e2 is rectangular. It is understood, however, that this shape can vary in other embodiments. The shape of these cut-away parts c1, c2 can vary from rectangular to any irregular shape. Also, in this particular embodiment particular embodiment the latch button 42 is absent and the changing table 40 is opened by simply pulling down the changing table 40 using hands.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the changing table 40 is in the vertically folded-up open position 80. The changing table 40 is preferably engaged with the latch 76 via the latch section 74 of the table tray 70 that includes latch pin. The damper assembly 84 is connected to the changing table 40 via the damper mount 72. In the open position 80, the complete length of piston rod 81 of the damper assembly 84 is outside the cylinder.

Referring to FIG. 16, the changing table 40 is in the horizontally folded-down closed position 82. When the latch button 42 is pressed, the changing table 40 is unlocked from the latch 76. The piston rod 81 of the damper assembly 84 gradually slides lengthwise inside the cylinder. The changing table 40 that is connected to the damper assembly 84 via the damper mount 72 attains the horizontal folded-down closed position 82 with a damped motion that is almost noiseless and vibration-less. The noiseless and vibration-less opening and closing of the changing table 40 is conducive to the sound sleep of baby.

In this one preferred embodiment, the damper assembly 84 has a hydraulic damper. It is understood, however, that a variety of dampers such as, elastomeric dampers, biometrically activated dampers, electronically activated dampers, for example, can be used in other embodiments.

FIGS. 17-21 show various uses and embodiments of the crib 20. The crib 20 is readily convertible into a toddler day bed. The conversion is effected by simply removing one side rail 28 from the crib 20 as shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, a separate baby rail 62 can be attached in place of removed side rail 28 to make the toddler bed safer. The crib 20 can also be used as playing table. The mattress support 36 is elevated to a suitable elevation and the side rails 28 are replaced with smaller rails of the same width for the purpose. The embodiment enables the parent, who is in a standing position, to play with the toddler. The parent can also place toys on the bottom panel 24 while playing with the toddler.

In yet another embodiment, the crib 20 is used as bedside sleeper. After removing one side rail 28 of the crib 20, the mattress support 36 of the crib 20 is moved to a height that is the same as that of an adult bed. The bedside sleeper is annexed to the adult bed such that the side of crib 20 without the side rail 28 is parallel and adjacent to the long side of the adult bed. Thus, the crib 20 becomes a simple attachment of the adult bed.

Further, the crib 20 sans side rails 28 can also be used as a study table by kids when they are no longer toddlers. Further, the crib 20 can have another similar cabinet panel 22 instead of the end panel 26. Thus, the crib 20 can be used for infant twins.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, an embodiment of the crib 20 that has cabinet panel with cut-away rectangular parts c1, c2 is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, the changing table 40 has open sides 86 that are because of the cut-away rectangular parts c1, c2. The user can open the changing table 40 by simply pulling on the open sides 86. The crib 20 with open-sided changing table 40 has lateral sides 79 devoid of sharp protruding edges. Thus, in this particular embodiment the risk of head injury that the user may sustain while rocking or leaning forth is drastically minimized.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, apart from the uses discussed here before, the cabinet panel 22 of the crib 20 can be used as a standalone changing table or a desk when the crib 20 is no longer in use. For this purpose, the user has to simply remove the side rails 28, the bottom panel 24 and the end panel 26. The crib 20 can be used as a desk with or without legs attached.

The embodiments of the invention shown and discussed herein are merely illustrative of modes of application of the present invention. Reference to details in this discussion is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to these details, or to the figures used to illustrate the invention. 

1. A combination crib comprising: a cabinet panel; an end panel; a vertically adjustable, removable board for supporting a mattress, the board being horizontally secured between the cabinet panel and the end panel; a bottom panel for supporting the board being horizontally secured between the cabinet panel and the end panel; a pair of opposed confronting side rails having a plurality of slats arranged in a row, each slat being different in size than the size of the adjacent slat, each pair of slats having different spacing between the slats than the spacing of the slats in the adjacent pair of slats; a changing table being hidden inside the cabinet panel being connected to a damper assembly, the damper assembly adapted for opening the changing table with a damped motion; and a control mechanism being adapted for actuating the changing table and being located on one outer surface of the cabinet panel.
 2. A combination crib comprising: a cabinet; a changing table being hidden inside the cabinet, the changing table being adapted to be opened and closed with a damped motion; and a plurality of rails having a plurality of slats, each slat being variedly sized and variedly spaced from each other.
 3. A combination crib comprising: a cabinet; a changing table being hidden inside the cabinet, the changing table being adapted to be opened and closed with a damped motion; the cabinet panel having irregularly shaped lateral sides that are adapted to complement the shape of the changing table in a closed position wherein the lateral sides of the changing table are significantly open; and a plurality of rails having a plurality of slats, each slat being variedly sized and variedly spaced from each other.
 4. A combination crib according to claim 1, comprising: a cabinet; a hidden changing table being hidden inside the cabinet, the table being adapted to be actuated using a button.
 5. A crib according to claim 1, wherein the end panel comprises: a cabinet; a changing table being hidden inside the cabinet being connected to a damper assembly, the damper assembly being adapted for opening the changing table with a damped motion; and a control mechanism being hidden inside the cabinet adapted for actuating the changing table being located on one outer surface of the cabinet.
 6. A combination crib according to claim 1, comprising: a cabinet panel; an end rail and a pair of opposed confronting side rails having a plurality of slats arranged in a row, each slat being different in size than the size of the adjacent slat, each pair of slats having different spacing between the slats than the spacing of the slats in the adjacent pair of slats; a vertically adjustable, removable board for supporting a mattress, the board being horizontally secured between the cabinet panel and the end panel; a bottom panel for supporting the board being horizontally secured between the cabinet panel and the end panel; a changing table being hidden inside the cabinet panel being connected to a damper assembly, the damper assembly adapted for opening the changing table with a damped motion; and a control mechanism hidden inside the cabinet panel adapted for actuating the changing table being located on an outer surface of the cabinet panel.
 7. A crib according to claim 1, wherein the damper assembly comprises an elastomeric damper.
 8. A crib according to claims 1 and 5, where in the damper assembly comprises an electronically activated damper.
 9. A crib according to claims 1 and 5, wherein the control mechanism is a button activatable in response to pressure.
 10. A crib according to claim 1, wherein crib is readily convertible into a desk when the side rails, the bottom panel, the end panel are removed.
 11. A crib according to claim 1, wherein crib is readily convertible into a desk when the side rails, the bottom panel, the end rail are removed.
 12. A crib according to claim 1, wherein the cabinet panel comprises at least a door and a shelf.
 13. A crib according to claim 1 that further comprises at least a drawer adapted to be slid underneath the bottom panel.
 14. A crib according to claim 1, wherein the crib is convertible to at least one other article of furniture selected from the group consisting of a day bed, a playing table, a bedside sleeper and a dressing table. 